Lighting is like the jewelry of the room. Without proper pieces that sparkle and shine, the room does not feel complete. In the same way a fine painting or antique can elevate everything else in the room, exquisite lighting can do the same. Each of these finds is a work of art based on craftsmanship and the inspiration behind each piece.
The pink lamps above are by Louise Gaskill who creates one of kind lamps from vintage Murano glass. The shape and color of each piece of glass determines the final silhouette of the lamp. Here, Louise’s imagination took light turning two pink fluted orbs into modern lamps with a slight Chinoiserie influence seen in the bamboo rings and asian inspired bases.
The collaboration between Niermann Weeks and Visual Comfort produced this crystal and brass masterpiece. The feather like arms capture and reflect the light beautifully.
Sklo Studio began as the brainchild of an American artist and architect and a Czech glassblower to pursue a new vision of hand blown Bohemian crystal. Each market, I have been enchanted by their work that brings a modern aesthetic to a historic craft tradition. Each piece is unique in that the nature of the glass and the details of the process are revealed in each piece.
The quartz point lamp from Times Two Design provides a wow factor for any room. The brass base and gilt lined shade make it even more glamorous. . Lauren Renfrow elevates the natural beauty of elements from the earth to artisan levels using acrylic and other embellishments. Her company focuses on creating entirely handmade items that are limited edition and totally unique.
The highly anticipated lighting line from Kelly Wearstler at Visual Comfort attracted a huge crowd! Lines formed outside the showroom for fans to catch a glimpse of Kelly and see her collection. Brass was her material of choice and each piece possessed a signature sculptural quality seen in many of her designs.
The lovely ladies at Taylor Burke Home had many great market introductions including their first foray into lighting. The 2 pendant styles can be customized in any color in a 36” and 20” diameter. The pierced fretwork is an ingenious repeat of their logo. Both styles have riveted nailheads defining the edges for a sleek look. These native Carolinians travel the world for their inspiration. All of their products are made in the USA and eco-friendly.
The Natural Light Company debuted a collection of cast metal lamps of aluminum inspired by nature. Here, ginkgo leaves are interpreted larger in size and arranged so that each leaf is placed as though standing on the shoulders of lower leaves. The metallic finish adds a sophisticated touch to any space.
Jewelry details were everywhere at this market from cabinetry hardware to this pendant from Arteriors that resembles a gold cuff bracelet.
New Orleans native Michael Clément specializes in ceramic, hand crafted lamps and interior accessories. Each piece reflects his aesthetic of classical and traditional forms, and finishes that evoke the veneer of the city. This collection was inspired by the climate and culture New Orleans has in creating a patina of time. The collection features handmade lamps, hand sculpted and hand-thrown bowls enhanced with rich colors and distinctive finishes.
These handfolded plexiglass pendants from Oggetti Luce appear as if they are ready to take flight. The light they emit and shadows they cast have a magical quality. Hung together in various colors looked like an art installation.
The colorful world of Dunes and Duchess is the brainchild of photographer Michael Partino and stylist/writer Stacey Kunstel. All pieces are handmade in the USA in a myriad of colors. Their collection of lighting and furniture is an extension of this delightful couple that are the perfect combination of creativity, authenticity, and whimsy.
Design icon Celerie Kemble displayed her Brutalist 36” diameter gilt pendant holding court over one of her gorgeous vignettes at Henredon.
The wall of sconces at Wesley Hall showed the countless customizations of the Robert Abbey Williamsburg Lightfoot Sconce. Here the 3 metal finishes (nickel, brass and bronze) are shown with various nailhead patterns and come in a variety of leather and fabric upholstered backplates.
North Carolina based artist Tommy Mitchell incorporated his metal flowers into several new table lamps and sconces. This was my favorite which is actually a stalk of brussel sprouts reincarnated in gilt metal.
I always look forward to seeing the colorful creations of Ro Sham Beaux. Their customization abilities and variety of styles make it a designer’s dream for a lighting line. The carnelian red beads are a new introduction and definitely on trend with all of the other touches of red seen throughout High Point.
Please contact the design studio if you are interested in design services or any of the works seen here…Please check back this week for more High Point Highlights on trends, accessories and furnishings.
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So much to see and so little time! I broke my market record this year for covering the maximum amount of ground in the least amount of time…12 hours to be exact. In that precious amount of time, I was able to hear some amazing speakers, catch up with old friends, and discover some divine new finds for future projects. Take a peek at what caught me eye…
Ashley Childers of Emporium Home blew me away once again with her gorgeous collection.The collection glowed against a radiant orchid background decorated with watercolors executed by Ashley herself. Her combined use of brass with stones in her lighting is both unexpected and glamorous. The sleek lines of her new introductions such as the side chair above would add a polished yet edgy touch to any interior.
I fell in love with this diminutive Pierre-Cardin inspired lamp by Dunes and Duchess. They brilliantly reinvented their Wave sconce by literally turning it on its side and voila….a table lamp is born! The growing collection from the dynamic duo of Stacy Kunstel and Micahel Partenio is not to be missed. All works are made in the USA, come in a variety of colors, completely customizable and are beyond chic! Be sure to check out the most instagrammed coat of High Point below on Stacy from Jules Reid.
Stray Dog Designs is always one of the most vibrant booths at market. The team of Jane Gray and Bill Pritchard began their creative journey after a move to San Miguel d’Allende after they had married only after a brief engagement. Their first project was a stray dog named La Princessa who inspired their working relationship and a brilliant business was born exporting Mexican pottery and other artifacts. This led to making their own lamps and furniture out of iron and tin based on Jane’s designs. When Jane began applying bright colors to her creations, their work escalated to another level. They have a fascinating story and business model based on giving back to the community.
Natural Curiosities is one of my favorite sources for large scale artwork of all kinds. The company is always pushing the creative envelope coming up with new specimen art and recoloring and resizing historic prints. Taking an old idea and reinterpreting it a fresh new way has become the company’s trademark. Chrsitopher Wilcox and his team of artists work in a “modern-day Warhol-esque factory that constantly beats with creativity.”
Sklo is a product of a modern American design studio and a 400 year old European craft tradition. They work with glassmakers in the Czech Republic to create modern designs based on their ancient craft.The clarity of the crystal, vibrancy of the colors, cutting and polishing skills, along with the ability to blow large complex shapes sets these artisans apart. The lighting line was new this market. Illuminating the crystal from within showcases another side of its pure beauty. The crystal spheres can be used as pendants or placed on a surface as an art glass installation.
World’s Away‘s merchandising is always one of the best at market. Set against a background of blown up greenery, their white lacquered, gilt and brass furniture sparkled in the windows drawing visitors like a bee to a bloom.
I loved meeting the talented Louise Gaskill based upon the suggestion of Julia Buckinghan Edelmann. Louise’s passion for antique Murano glass and her gift for transforming them into contemporary light fixtures is captivating. She is seen here lovely in lavender next to a pair of rare Murano vases she had converted into lamps and updated further with sleek drum shades.
For the client who has everything, B.D. Collection has created the ultimate extravagance…a crystal pool table. The Italian company also makes exquisite billiards table and Foosball tables. Prices start at $30,000.